St. Louis Cardinals - TeamReport

St. Louis Cardinals - TeamReport

Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak, a highly successful dealer in the last few years at the July 31 deadline for trades without waivers, probably is casting his eye on a veteran starting pitcher to bulwark a rotation that is young except for right-handers Jake Westbrook and Adam Wainwright. But he isn't likely to be looking for any offensive help.

"I just don't know where we would chase for more offense," said Mozeliak. "I don't know where you'd put it.

"The fact is there is no glaring weakness now. It's just about seeing if there is some incremental benefit that might make us stronger for the last push."

Veteran right-hander Chris Carpenter, recovering from a nerve issue that has affected his right shoulder, will make his second start on the medical rehabilitation plan Saturday night at Triple-A Memphis, with a couple of more likely.

--RHP Jake Westbrook got solid results despite an iffy sinker in his win against San Diego. Westbrook managed only nine groundouts in 6 1/3 innings, but gave up just two runs despite allowing eight hits and three walks. Shockingly, he went 3-for-3 at the plate with two runs and an RBI after entering the game just 2-for-20 on the year. --RHP Lance Lynn has struggled in his last seven starts with an earned run average of well over 5.00. He may have been at his worst last Saturday against the Cubs, yielding six runs in 4 1/3 innings of a 6-4 loss. Lynn has been damaged by big innings lately, giving up at three runs in an inning during three of his last four starts.

--RHP Chris Carpenter (right shoulder) gets his second rehab start Saturday night in Triple-A Memphis against Oklahoma City. Pitching for Double-A Springfield on Monday night, Carpenter fanned five over 2 2/3 innings but also allowed six hits and three runs in a 54-pitch outing. The plan is for Carpenter to throw 75-80 pitches in this one.

--RHP Fernando Salas (right shoulder) rejoined the Cardinals on Friday after going 1-1, 0.77 during an 11-game rehab assignment for Memphis. Salas went on the disabled list May 21 after an ineffective relief appearance in San Diego. He replaces Keith Butler, who was sent down to get more work after pitching just 2 1/3 innings in the last 12 games.

--LF Matt Holliday (hamstring) didn't start for the fourth straight game after being injured in a July 11 loss at the Chicago Cubs. Holliday said he felt tightness while running through the outfield Friday during pregame drills.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I surprised myself a little bit. I ran into a few ... it was a fun game." -- RHP Jake Westbrook, who went 3-for-3 in a 9-6 win over San Diego on Friday.

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MLB Team Report - St. Louis Cardinals - ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:

--LF Matt Holliday (right hamstring) was injured July 11 and missed the three games before the All-Star break and one July 19. He is day-to-day.

--LHP John Gast (left shoulder strain) went on the 15-day disabled list May 26.

--LHP Jaime Garcia (left shoulder strain) went on the 15-day disabled list May 18 and was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 30. He was diagnosed with a torn labrum and he underwent season-ending surgery May 24.

--RHP Jason Motte (muscle flexor strain in right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list March 22, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 14. He had season-ending Tommy John surgery May 7.

--SS Rafael Furcal (Tommy John surgery in March 2013) went on the 15-day disabled list March 20, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 3. He is out for the season.

--RHP Chris Carpenter (nerve problem in right shoulder) went on the 60-day disabled list Feb. 22. He threw about 25 pitches in a side session May 29 and reported no pain in his right arm. He experienced tightness in his back after throwing an extended bullpen session June 17, but threw 106 pitches in an extended bullpen session June 5 and said he was "really encouraged" afterward. He started a rehab assignment at Double-A Springfield on July 15.